Create A Thesis Statement For Your Empire Comparison Essay ✓ Solved

Create a thesis statement for your Empire Comparison Essay

Using the Empire Comparison Essay instructions provided, create a thesis statement to reflect the focus of your Empire Comparison Essay. Identify at least five (5) sources that you will use to complete the essay and create a bibliography to include with your thesis statement for this assignment. Submit a Resource Page of five (5) possible sources that you are going to use on your Research Paper in proper APA format. These sources should be related to the specific empires that you identified in your thesis statement for the Empire Comparison Essay. The thesis statement and bibliography shall be written in APA format, typed in 12 font Times New Roman, and should be submitted as a Microsoft Word Document.

Your paper must be 4-5 pages and include a minimum of five (5) sources. All work must be in APA format, including in-text citations and a reference list.

Paper For Above Instructions

In constructing an Empire Comparison Essay, it is essential to formulate a well-defined thesis statement that reflects the focus of an analysis of historical empires. For this assignment, I will choose the Roman Empire from Group 1 and the Byzantine Empire from Group 3 for comparison. The thesis statement I propose is: "While both the Roman and Byzantine Empires were central to the development of the societal structures of their respective times, their differing approaches to governance, culture, and religion shaped divergent legacies that continue to influence modern civilization."

To support my thesis and analysis, I have identified five credible sources which will provide historical context, scholarly interpretations, and critical insights into the empires in question. Below is a bibliography formatted in APA style:

1. Brown, P. (1989). The Body and Society: Men, Women, and Sexual Renunciation in Early Christianity. Columbia University Press.

2. Goldsworthy, A. (2000). In the Shadow of Rome: The Influence of the Classical World on the Byzantine Empire. Oxford University Press.

3. Horsley, R. (1995). The Donkey and the King: Wisdoms of the Byzantine Empire. Fortress Press.

4. Jones, A. H. M. (1964). The Later Roman Empire, 284-602: A Social, Economic, and Administrative Survey. Harvard University Press.

5. Kagan, D. (2004). The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians. Da Capo Press.

With these sources, I will provide an in-depth analysis of the development and fall of both the Roman and Byzantine Empires. The following sections will explore how societal structures emerged in these empires, their contrasting approaches to governance, as well as how their religious institutions played a role in their longevity and inevitable decline.

Comparison of Development and Creation

The Roman Empire began its development in the city of Rome, evolving from a series of kingdoms to a republic and then to an empire, characterized by vast territorial expansion. One critical factor in its establishment was the Roman legal system, which codified laws that enforced order and unity among diverse cultures (Jones, 1964). The vast infrastructure, including roads and aqueducts, further facilitated trade and military movement, leading to prosperity.

In contrast, the Byzantine Empire emerged from the eastern part of the Roman Empire after its division. It inherited many cultural aspects from its predecessor but developed its unique identity centered around Orthodox Christianity and a distinct style of governance (Goldsworthy, 2000). The Byzantine legal reforms, particularly those implemented by Emperor Justinian, were pivotal in consolidating power and maintaining order, thereby allowing the empire to thrive long after the Western Roman Empire's fall.

Comparison of Decline and Fall

Both empires experienced significant decline due to internal weaknesses and external pressures. The Roman Empire succumbed to a combination of political corruption, economic troubles, and invasions from various barbarian tribes. The inability to maintain a stable leadership and the increasing reliance on mercenary forces weakened the Empire from within (Kagan, 2004).

The Byzantine Empire faced similar challenges but adapted through strategic alliances and military reformation. Its decline was marked by the rise of the Ottoman Empire, which capitalized on the Byzantine's territorial losses and internal strife. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 marked the definitive end of Byzantine sovereignty, illustrating how both empires grappled with succession and external threats throughout their histories (Horsley, 1995).

Influence on Modern Society

Both the Roman and Byzantine Empires have left a profound legacy on contemporary civilization. Roman law remains the foundation of many legal systems around the world, influencing legal thought and governance structures (Brown, 1989). Furthermore, the architectural achievements of the Romans, including aqueducts, roads, and governmental buildings, set the stage for modern urban planning.

Conversely, the Byzantine Empire has significantly contributed to art, theology, and literature, particularly through the Orthodox Church and the preservation of Greek and Roman knowledge during the Middle Ages (Goldsworthy, 2000). The interplay between Eastern and Western Christianity and the preservation of classical texts have also shaped contemporary scholarship and religious practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Roman and Byzantine Empires developed differently and faced varying paths to decline, their influences remain visible in modern society. An understanding of these empires is crucial for grasping the complexities of contemporary governance, law, and culture. Through a comparative analysis, we can appreciate not only their historical significance but also the intricacies involved in the rise and fall of civilizations.

References

• Brown, P. (1989). The Body and Society: Men, Women, and Sexual Renunciation in Early Christianity. Columbia University Press.
• Goldsworthy, A. (2000). In the Shadow of Rome: The Influence of the Classical World on the Byzantine Empire. Oxford University Press.
• Horsley, R. (1995). The Donkey and the King: Wisdoms of the Byzantine Empire. Fortress Press.
• Jones, A. H. M. (1964). The Later Roman Empire, 284-602: A Social, Economic, and Administrative Survey. Harvard University Press.
• Kagan, D. (2004). The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians. Da Capo Press.